We are feeling the impacts now of climate change with the increasing frequency and ferocity of natural disasters in Australia. Costing our economy billions of dollars for the health impacts, to remediate and mitigate these ongoing catastrophic events. Our greenhouse emissions are still rising and Australia is one of the world's largest miners of fossil fuels. We urgently need to reduce greenhouse emissions and transition away from fossil fuels to protect the health of our people and our long term economy. The EIS should be amended to consider the full negative economic impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions from the gasfield and the two pipelines, which is likely to be very significant given Narrabri is predicted to be the sixth biggest source of greenhouse pollution in NSW.

To the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure,

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed Narrabri Lateral Pipeline. This 55km high-pressure gas pipeline is not a standalone proposal, it is the missing link enabling Santos’ damaging and controversial Narrabri Gas Project. If approved, it would open the door to 850 coal seam gas wells in the Pilliga Forest, causing irreversible risks to cultural heritage, farmland, water resources and biodiversity.

1. Impacts on Gomeroi cultural heritage

The Pilliga Forest is a place of profound cultural, spiritual and social significance to Gomeroi people. The National Native Title Tribunal has recognised that all water resources in this area, and Bohena Creek in particular, hold major cultural importance, and found that no ground or surface disturbance should occur within 500 metres of Bohena Creek without Gomeroi consent.

Despite this, the proposal plans to drill the pipeline directly under Bohena Creek and across six other major creeks, disturbing alluvial groundwater systems and disrespecting cultural values. Alarmingly, the Environmental Impact Statement fails to address the cultural significance of Bohena Creek in its entirety.

Construction activities would also destroy two known sites of cultural significance and damage at least four more. Gomeroi Traditional Owners have been clear that the integrity of the Pilliga must remain intact for cultural wellbeing and practice. This proposal is fundamentally incompatible with that requirement.

2. Impacts on farmland and forest

The pipeline route cuts through 12 farms, with nearly half of all disturbance occurring on agricultural land, including one-fifth on cropping land. This threatens soil quality, farm productivity, biosecurity and the long-term viability of local food and fibre production.

The remainder of the route slices through the Pilliga Forest. Construction would require clearing 168 hectares of forest, carving a 30-metre-wide corridor through the Pilliga East, fragmenting habitat, creating edge effects and increasing vulnerability to invasive species, weeds and fire.

The Pilliga is a stronghold for several threatened species, including the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Corben’s Long-eared Bat. These species rely on unbroken habitat and specific ecological conditions that cannot be easily restored once cleared. The biodiversity impacts are severe, long-lasting and poorly justified.

3. Environmental and climate impacts ignored

The Environmental Impact Statement selectively emphasises claimed economic “benefits”, but fails to account for the full environmental and climate costs of the Narrabri Gas Project and the Hunter Gas Pipeline, both of which this pipeline is designed to facilitate.

Narrabri is projected to become one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in NSW, expected to rank as the sixth-largest single source in the state. The pipeline proposal does not meaningfully assess these emissions or the broader negative economic impacts associated with worsening climate change, impacts that will be borne by communities, ecosystems and future generations.

4. Water risks

The Pilliga acts as a critical recharge zone for the Great Artesian Basin, one of Australia’s most important and fragile groundwater systems. Disturbing alluvial groundwater, creek beds and soils undermines the long-term safety of this vital water resource. The proposal fails to provide adequate safeguards or credible long-term assurances.

Conclusion

The Narrabri Lateral Pipeline is not in the public interest. It is a destructive and unnecessary project that risks:
• irreparable cultural damage,
• harm to threatened species,
• clearing of significant forest habitat,
• loss of productive farmland,
• impacts on water and the Great Artesian Basin, and
• major, unaccounted-for contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

For these reasons, I urge the NSW Government to reject the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline and protect the cultural heritage, biodiversity, farmland and water resources that communities rely on.

I respectfully request that this submission be recorded as a formal objection.

I strongly object to this damaging and polluting pipeline which will open up the Pilliga for Santos’ 850 well Narrabri coal seam gasfield.

My reasons for objection are as follows:
1. The severe negative impacts on Gomeroi cultural heritage:

The Pilliga as a whole has deep spiritual, social and cultural significance for Gomeroi people. The National Native Title Tribunal acknowledged that all water resources, and Bohena Ck in particular, is of major cultural importance to Gomeroi people. The Tribunal said there should be no ground or surface disturbance within 500m of Bohena Ck without Gomeroi consent.
However, Santos plans to drill the pipeline right under Bohena Ck and across six other major creeks, disturbing the alluvial groundwater. The EIS does not discuss the cultural significance of the entire Bohena Ck for Gomeroi people at all.
Construction of the pipeline will also wipe out two known sites of significance and damage a further four sites. Gomeroi people have said the Pilliga’s integrity is central to their wellbeing and cultural practice and must be kept whole.

2. The severe negative impacts on farm land and forest

The pipeline is set to cross 12 farms, and a little under half the land it will disturb is agricultural land, one fifth of the land to be disturbed is cropping land. The other half of the pipeline cuts through the precious natural resource that is Pilliga forest.
Construction will clear 168 hectares of forest and will cut a 30 metre wide swathe through the Pilliga East forest, causing serious damage for microbats and small mammals.
It will clear habitat and put at risk threatened species that have strongholds in the Pilliga, like the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern pygmy possum, and Corben’s Long-eared Bat.

3. The additional issues of negative impact

Santos’ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the pipeline claims the economic “benefits” of the Narrabri gasfield and Hunter gas pipeline, but does not take responsibility for the harm to biodiversity, water and climate from the bigger pipeline and gasfield.
The EIS should be amended to consider the full negative economic impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions from the gasfield and the two pipelines, which is likely to be very significant given Narrabri is predicted to be the sixth biggest source of greenhouse pollution in NSW.

This project is totally unviable on any economic level. In addition it represents an affront to all right-minded NSW citizens as it constitutes totally unacceptable risks environmentally, climatically, culturally, agriculturally, and socially. The Pilliga must be protected and preserved in perpetuity.

Jane Cotter BA (Hons), MA.

I have owned land in Pilliga and even 5 years ago due to the aquigers dropping many trees were dying through lack of water.
I also met land and environment testing water supply who agreed this was happening but that fracking will contaminate what is left. Below are are few points I would like to make but I would really like to draw your attention to a critical issue you have not mentioned - what are we going to eat if our farms anywhere near the great Artesian Basin run dry or are poisoned?
We can't eat gas. So then what ? We rely on China for food? And clean water??
Plus:-
The Pilliga as a whole has deep spiritual, social and cultural significance for Gomeroi people. The National Native Title Tribunal acknowledged that all water resources, and Bohena Ck in particular, is of major cultural importance to Gomeroi people. The Tribunal said there should be no ground or surface disturbance within 500m of Bohena Ck without Gomeroi consent.
However, Santos plans to drill the pipeline right under Bohena Ck and across six other major creeks, disturbing the alluvial groundwater. The EIS does not discuss the cultural significance of the entire Bohena Ck for Gomeroi people at all.
Construction of the pipeline will also wipe out two known sites of significance and damage a further four sites. Gomeroi people have said the Pilliga’s integrity is central to their wellbeing and cultural practice and must be kept whole.

Impacts on farm land and forest

The pipeline crosses 12 farms, and a little under half the land it will disturb is agricultural land, one fifth of the land to be disturbed is cropping land. The other half of the pipeline cuts through the Pilliga forest.
Construction will clear 168 hectares of forest and will cut a 30 metre wide swathe through the Pilliga East forest, causing serious damage for microbats and small mammals.
It will clear habitat and put at risk threatened species that have strongholds in the Pilliga, like the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern pygmy possum, and Corben’s Long-eared Bat.

Other issues

Santos’ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the pipeline claims the economic “benefits” of the Narrabri gasfield and Hunter gas pipeline, but doesn’t take responsibility for the harm to biodiversity, water and climate from the bigger pipeline and gasfield.
The EIS should be amended to consider the full negative economic impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions from the gasfield and the two pipelines, which is likely to be very significant given Narrabri is predicted to be the sixth biggest source of greenhouse pollution in NSW.
You are already wasting farmland with windfarms to benefit the coast - but what about everyong else
Please use some commonsense and leave the Great Artesian Basin alone

I oppose Santos' destructive pipeline and support the Gomeroi Traditional Owners and all others who would be impacted by this proposal. Santos’ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the pipeline claims the economic “benefits” of the Narrabri gasfield and Hunter gas pipeline but doesn’t take responsibility for the harm to biodiversity, water and climate from the bigger pipeline and gasfield. The EIS should be amended to consider the FULL negative economic impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions from the gasfield and the two pipelines which is likely to be very significant given Narrabri is predicted to be the sixth biggest source of greenhouse pollution in NSW. This proposal by Santos is UNCONSCIONABLE at this point in time as regards GLOBAL WARMING.

I am objecting to the Narrabri Lateral pipeline because the Pilliga is the largest remaining temperate forest, it is a biodiversity hotspot and has many cultural sites.
The project will divide the forest into smaller areas affecting habitat for sensitive species.
The Great Artesian Basin is the most important water basin, all life depends on it, including ours.
The Project will affect the area in a negative way, cumulative impacts of the Narrabri gas wells and the pipeline is a big issue.

It is time to stop approving fossil fuel projects.

Follow the science and say no.

Thank you.
Stephen Nelson

The negative impacts about the development of coal seam gas and its associated infrastructure is well known. It is unacceptable that these types of requests for submissions for unpopular developments are always made at Christmas time. The Narrabri gas field has been extremely controversial and the State Government has acted as nothing better than an advocate for this development. Queensland has provided plenty of examples as to why this project should be stopped now. Do the right thing and say no.

I strongly object to Santos' Narrabri Gas Pipeline.
We are seeing first hand the impacts of climate change on our communities and communities around the world. This will have huge impacts on humanity's ability to provide clean drinking water and conserve enough arable land to feed the population.

# This damaging and polluting pipeline will open up the Pilliga for Santos’ 850 well Narrabri coal seam gasfield. The Pilliga will be destroyed, and precious water resources will be depleted and contaminated.
# Santos’ Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the pipeline claims the economic “benefits” of the Narrabri gasfield and Hunter gas pipeline. This gas will not benefit Australians as most if not all gas will be exported. Santos pays very little tax or royalties.
# there will be enormous harm to biodiversity, water and climate from the bigger pipeline and gasfield.

# The EIS does not consider the full negative economic impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions from the gasfield and the two pipelines, which is likely to be very significant given Narrabri is predicted to be the sixth biggest source of greenhouse pollution
in NSW.

# There will be significant impacts on farm land and forest
The pipeline crosses 12 farms, and a little under half the land it will disturb is agricultural land, one fifth of the land to be disturbed is cropping land. The other half of the pipeline cuts through the Pilliga forest.
Construction will clear 168 hectares of forest and will cut a 30 metre wide swathe through the Pilliga East forest, causing serious damage for microbats and small mammals.
It will clear habitat and put at risk threatened species that have strongholds in the Pilliga,
like the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern pygmy possum, and Corben’s Long-eared Bat.

# There are significant Impacts on Gomeroi cultural heritage:
The Pilliga as a whole has deep spiritual, social and cultural significance for Gomeroi people. The National Native Title Tribunal acknowledged that all water resources, and Bohena Ck in particular, is of major cultural importance to Gomeroi people. The Tribunal said there should be no ground or surface disturbance within 500m of Bohena Ck without Gomeroi consent.
# Santos plans to drill the pipeline right under Bohena Ck and across six other major creeks, disturbing the alluvial groundwater. The EIS does not discuss the cultural significance of the entire Bohena Ck for Gomeroi people at all.
# Construction of the pipeline will also wipe out two known sites of significance and damage a further four sites. Gomeroi people have said the Pilliga’s integrity is central to their wellbeing and cultural practice and must be kept whole.

ln conclusion, the fact that the climate is changing and heating is undeniable. The fact that this is being driven and accelerated by the burning of fossil fuels is undeniable. In such circumstances it is completely irresponsible to build 850 gas wells and gas pipeline that contributes to this, at the same time as contaminating and depleting our precious fresh water resources, and damaging and in some cases, destroying our arable land. Our water and farm land must be conserved for all future generations. Australia is a hot spot of species extinction. All efforts must be made to conserve the wildlife left.

Thursday 18th December 2025

To Whom It May Concern,

On behalf of For Wild Places Foundation Limited, I am writing to object to the proposed Pilliga Lateral Pipeline in the Pilliga Forest. For Wild Places is an Australian charity and not-for-profit that inspires and empowers outdoor communities to learn, care for, and celebrate the wild places we love to explore. We promote stewardship and action by hosting inclusive, sustainable outdoor events, supporting environmental campaigns and being a voice for wild places. Since 2020, we have been building a community of activated, informed and passionate advocates for wild places, and one of our main areas of focus has been the Pilliga Forest.

In 2022, we hosted our first event in the Pilliga Forest, which welcomed 80 runners from across the country to the Pilliga to experience first-hand the beauty and biodiversity of this forest. Since then, we have brought over 400 people to the Pilliga Forest through our annual 'Pilliga Ultra' event, bringing much-needed tourism to the area. Please see the following pages for some photos from our time in the Pilliga.

The reason people come is the beauty, biodiversity and community of this place - and this project threatens the very lifeblood of this place, and the community. Santos' EIS does not go far enough to minimise the harms this 55km pipeline will have on the surrounding landscape and will cause irreparable, potentially catastrophic damage to an already exploited, vulnerable environment.

The EIS failed to address several key points and areas of concern adequately. These include, but are not limited to:

Yellow Springs Creek and Yellow Springs Dam
In September this year, we enjoyed a delightful picnic lunch at Yellow Springs Dam. This is one of the few reliable water points in that particular area of the Pilliga Forest, and could be recognised as a Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystem and Matters of National Environmental Significance (GDE/MNES). Additionally, it is very concerning that the EIS indicates a well pad on the corner of Beehive Road and the dam access track. This area should be included within a buffer zone, as should Bohena Creek, as per the National Native Title Tribunal conditions.
Gomeroi Cultural Heritage Impacts
We have spent many hours with Gomeroi custodians, and have been grateful to hear the many stories of culture and connection to the Pilliga Forest. The construction of the pipeline will destroy two known sites of significance and damage an additional four sites. This is unacceptable, and priority must be given to preserving places of significance to the Gomeroi people and their culture. In addition, it is beyond dispute that all water resources on traditional Aboriginal land are of significant cultural importance; therefore, Bohena Creek and other ephemeral creeks within the Pilliga must be protected. The EIS shows a complete disregard for cultural heritage and respect for the Gomeroi people.

Cumulative Impact (CI)
The EIS did not adequately address the cumulative impact of multiple mining projects on the area, past, present, and foreseeable future, including Whitehaven Coal's Narrabri underground mine, which has been operational since 2012. Impacts include harm to biodiversity, harm to groundwater, increased traffic levels, and increased dust, noise, and vibrations. The Narrabri Underground State 3 Extension Project has a hard border on its south side to the Pilliga Lateral Pipeline, and mines the same coal seam, and should therefore be considered for cumulative impacts.

It is shortsighted for the EIS not to consider the implications of multiple mining activities in one region and the potential larger impacts they may cause, including impacts on threatened species such as the Swift Parrot and Glossy Black Cockatoo, both of which have been recorded in the project area in recent times. For this reason, this project should trigger the precautionary principle, and the cumulative impacts of the proposed Pilliga Lateral Pipeline must be comprehensively considered before proceeding any further.

These are just some of the concerns For Wild Places has regarding the Pilliga Lateral Pipeline proposal. We hope to continue bringing people to this forest for years to come, to witness the beauty and learn about the cultural connections the Gomeroi have to this area. To ensure the ongoing health and biodiversity of this forest, we wholeheartedly object to this proposal.

Sincerely,
Hilary McAllister
CEO, For Wild Places Foundation Limited